 | Biological Station |  |
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Inaugurated in 1999 "Las Guacamayas" Biological Station (named after the threatened scarlet macaw, Ara macao), is the base of our conservation operations in the eastern section of Laguna del Tigre National Park, the largest park in Guatemala.
Situated at the confluence of the San Pedro and Sacluc Rivers, the biological station offers access to both wetlands, fresh water systems, and subtropical dry forests.
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| Facilities | |
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The station provides up to 40 researchers and staff with a fully-equipped laboratory, solar energy, bathrooms and showers with running water, and a kitchen.
The biological station has a formal agreement with the University of San Carlos (the national public university in Guatemala).
The station is open to scientific researchers at all levels.
During the past five years of operation (research was ongoing during the 2 years of construction), scientists from around the world have carried out studies on tropical birds species (7), flora (5), amphibians and reptiles (5), water quality (3), invertebrate fauna (2), and Rapid Ecological Assessment (RAP) of biodiversity (both aquatic and terrestrial)
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| Ecotourism | |
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Discover the beauty of the Peten jungle from the comfort of the Scarlet Macaw Biological Station.
Our two-night three-day all-inclusive packages provide bird watchers and natural history tourists with an unparalleled introduction to the mysteries of this hidden corner of the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Visit us and you too may join the ranks of our guests who have exclaimed - "It was my best trip ever. The service was excellent and the staff very friendly, we plan on visiting again."
Our all-inclusive packages include roundtrip transportation from Flores, Petén to the Biological Station, food (vegetarian meals available on request), lodging, drinking water and guided tours with bilingual tour guides. If you would like more information about these tours or would like us to design a tour especially for you, please email us at: info@lasguacamayasbiologicalstation.com
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| Volunteer | |
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Volunteer with us at the Biological Station and you will have the opportunity to live and work in the Peten jungle, learn about the plants and wildlife that make their home here, acquire some basic work skills, practice your Spanish with our park guards, learn to make tortillas, and while doing so contribute to the conservation work that ProPetén and the Scarlet Macaw Biological Station are undertaking in Laguna del Tigre National Park.
Like many volunteer programs in Guatemala, volunteers pay a nominal fee which is used to help with station maintenance.
The cost is roughly USD$10 per day for short-term volunteers and decreases to roughly USD$7 per day for long-term volunteer stays.
In return, volunteers receive a bed in one of our dormitory-style rooms complete with sheets, towels and mosquito nets, use of our well-equipped kitchen which includes a gas stove and refrigerator, meals and drinking water.
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| How to Get Here | |
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Principle access is by river, a trip of 15-20 minutes from Paso Caballos, a Q'eqchi' community located 75 kilometers northwest of Flores, Peten.
Roundtrip bus transportation from Santa Elena to Paso Caballos may be possible during the dry season, though can be unreliable.
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